History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 13

Author: Waggoner, Clark, 1820-1903
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: New York and Toledo : Munsell & Company
Number of Pages: 1408

USA > Ohio > Lucas County > Toledo > History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio > Part 13

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

* " Pioneer," a correspondent of the Defiance Dem- ocrat, June, 1874.

INDIAN CHARACTER AND INDIAN WRONGS.

conflict resulted in the death of Logan, who, with such fearful odds, deliberately dared to vindicate himself against a false charge by one high in Winchester's Army. The case caused a deep feeling of sympathy and admiration for the dying Chief, and none more deeply regret- ted his sad fate, than did the officer who made the charge. Logan lived two or three days after reaching Defiance. He suffered great pain, and while writhing in agony, related to his friend, Major Win. Oliver, the particulars of the fight, saying that he prized his honor higher than his life, and died satisfied. In the course of this interview he was noticed to smile, and being questioned as to the cause, he replied, that when he recalled to mind the manner in which Captain Johnny took off the scalp of Winnemac, while at the same time watching the enemy, he could not refrain from laughing. He was buried by the officers with the honors of war.

General John E. Hunt's estimate of the character of the great Indian Chief Tecumseh, whose name is so intimately allied with the history of this region, will be of interest here. He says of that noted warrior : " Tecumseh was not a large man, but strong and well made. Ile usually dressed very plainly, in buckskin Indian costume, for a long time wearing three feathers -one given him by Mrs. Proctor and the others by wives of other British officers. These were plain ostrich plumes - red, white and black, respectively. They were tied to his queue, hanging down his back. He was generally armed with his tomahawk, scalping- knife and pipe in his belt, with his rifle on his arm. He very much resembled Otusso, an Ottawa War Chief, who died at the mouth of the Manmee River before those Indians were removed to the West."

What is known as the "Brownstown Treaty," was made at Brownstown, within the Territory of Michigan, and was concluded November 25, 1808. Governor William Hull of Michi- gan Territory, represented the Government on the one side, while the Chippewa, Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Wyandot and Shawnee Indians were represented by sachems, chiefs and war- riors of their respective tribes. The chief object of this treaty, on the part of the United States, was to secure the right to locate and construct a public road through lands of the Indians, which was obtained. The road was

subsequently constructed by the State of Ohio, and is known as the Western Reserve and Maumee Road. The route of the same was fixed by the treaty as follows: For a "road of 120 feet in width, from the foot of the Rapids of the River Miami of Lake Erie, to the Western line of the Connecticut Reserve ;" and "all lands within one mile of the road, on each side, for the purpose of establishing settlements along the same." By the same treaty was granted " a tract of land, for a road only, of 120 feet in width, to run Southwardly from what is called Lower Sandusky (Fremont) to boun- dary line established by the treaty of Green- ville." This road never was constructed, although for many years the people at Lower Sandusky urged upon the State the execution of the project contemplated in the treaty of Brownstown.

Most of the remnant of the Ottawas which remained in this section after the departure of the body of the tribe for their location West of the Mississippi in 1833, took their departure August 31, 1837, for the same region. They left on the steamboat " Commodore Perry " for Cleveland, to go thence by Canal to Portsmonth, and thence by the Ohio and the Mississippi. They were under the care of Colonel John Mellvaine of Columbus, Superintendent, with Captain W. E. Cruger of Rochester, N. Y., as Assistant and Disbursing Agent. Messrs. John Mack, D. H. Forsyth and C. Roby of Maumee City, were attached to the expedition - the former as Commissary, and the others as in- terpreters. Several in the tribe yet remained in this section, not being willing to join their fellows in the removal. They numbered about 150, the Chief Otteka being with them. The causes leading to such separation of this frag- ment, are indicated by notice published in Maumee, August 19, 1837, by Superintendent Mellvaine. Ile therein, by appeals to alleged creditors of members of the tribe not to ob- struct their departure, intimated that efforts would be made to do that. He said: "They have now no country or home here. May the Removing Agent not ask, in the name of hu- manity,-in the name of justice-in the sacred name of mercy-that if any are secretly working to discourage the emigration of these unfortunate creatures, they will pause and consider the impropriety of their course?" He also made this significant appeal: "In

HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

conclusion, it is requested, that those who ontlet of Lake Huron, which forms the River have been in the habit of selling liquors to St. Clair; thence Northeast in a direct line to White Rock, in Lake Huron ; thence dne East to the boundary line between the United States and Canada in said Lake ; thence Sontherly on said line through River and Lake St. Clair and Detroit River into Lake Erie to a point due East of the Maumee River; and thence West, to the place of beginning. The Indians reserved one tract of land six miles square on the Maumee River, above Roche de Bœuf, " to in- clude the Village where Tondanie" (the Dog), then lived, being a short distance above the present site of the Town of Waterville. Also, was reserved to them a tract three miles square on the same River, and above the 12 miles square ceded to the United States by the treaty of Greenville. The Reserve referred to in- eluded what is known as Presque Isle, about half way between Waterville and Manmee City. Another Reserve, four miles square, on the Maumee Bay, including the Village where Meshkemau and Wangan then lived. these Indians, do so no more; as it will be impossible to remove the dissipated, if it he continued, and they must, to their ruin and to the annoyance of good citizens, remain." The remnant still remaining continued here about two years, and their departure was thus stated by the Ohio ( Perrysburg) Whig of July 30, 1839: "The remaining few of the once pow- erful tribe of Indians (the Ottawas), who have been lingering abont this section for the past few years, dragging out a miserable and pre- carious existence, took their departure for the country West of the Mississippi July 25th, on board the Steamer Commodore Perry, under the superintendence of Judge Forsyth of Man- mee City, the Indian Agent. Their course was directed to Cleveland, and thence by Canal to the Ohio River. They were about 100 in number, including both sexes. They hated to go; and we learn that it was with much persuasion, that Judge Forsyth pre- vailed upon them for their removal."

A treaty between the United States and Wyandot, Ottawa, Chippewa and Munsee, Delaware, Shawnee and Pottawatomie tribes of Indians was held at Fort Industry (now within Toledo), July 4, 1805. By this treaty, the Indians relinquished their title to all lands in Ohio as far West as the Western boundary of the Connecticut Western Reserve (the Western line of Huron Connty). Included in this grant, were what have been known as the " Fire Lands," embracing all of present Huron County, and nearly the whole of Erie County. They were so named, because they had been set apart by the State of Connecticut from its Western Reserve, as consideration for damages sustained by citizens of that State by the de- struction of property by fire at the hands of the British during the Revolutionary War. The quantity of such lands was 500,000 acres.

November 7, 1807, at Detroit, Governor William Hull made treaty with the Ottawa, Chippewa, Wyandot and Pottawatomie Indians, whereby lands described as follows were ceded to the United States: Beginning at the mouth of the Miami River of the Lakes (the Maumee), and running up the middle thereof to the mouth of the Great Au Glaize River ; thence running North until it intersects a parallel of latitude, to be drawn from the

In 1873, a variety of Indian trinkets were plowed up, as the Ten-Mile Creek road was being worked, then in Manhattan Township. Among them was a large silver cross, found in the breast of an Indian's skeleton, he probably being a man of note with his tribe, and that article placed there as a special mark of respect. The cross is thirteen and one-half inches long and eight and five-eighths wide; its weight, eight ounces, pure silver. It bore on a smooth, polished surface, light representations of boughs of trees. With this was found a silver chain, five feet long, bearing six charms. There was a double cross-one upright and two transverse pieces, the latter two and one- half inches in length ; also marked with light, small circles. Another relic was a silver wheel or circle, with small, egg-shaped figures, which might have been used as a pin and for ornament. There were six small and one larger silver pendants-the former probably designed for the ears and the latter for the nose. Also, four silver brooches; a silver head-band, one inch wide and two feet long; and a silver bracelet, about two and one-half inches broad. There were beside these. a stone pipe ; a scalp- ing-knife, of pure steel; and a stone image of a bird. The knife was found sticking down beside an Indian's skull. The image of a bird was found in a copper vessel or bucket abont

INDIAN RELICS.

eight inches high and four across. It is of thick, heavy copper, with eover (of copper) fitting closely. On the bottom of this vessel is the inscription, "J. C. D., 1737," indicating it to be 150 years old. In it were found small images similar to the one above named, and representing fishes, birds and Indians, the latter sometimes on horseback, and some with bows and arrows drawn for shooting. These, how- ever, upon exposure to the atmosphere, soon crumbled to fine dust, leaving but the one. The skull, apparently of an Indian Princess, was found with hair in good state of preservation, eoiled on the top, which soon crumbled to dust. The presence of the articles of ornament in the graves of Indians, is explained by the impres- sion which formerly so fully obtained with that race, that death is but a transfer from one scene of material existence to another, but which has been more or less modified by asso- ciation with the Whites and the teaching of Christian Missionaries. The first thing with them, was to secure a safe journey to the " happy hunting-ground," to which they

believed they were to go. With this is the ambition to bear to the new scene of activity ornaments and marks of their distinction in this life. Another common thought with them was, that their position in the next existence would depend largely on the number of enemies which they had here slain in battle, while such could be commanded as servants to help them on their journey to the new grounds. At another time in the neighborhood of the same locality, were plowed up two solid silver crosses. They were about six inches in length, and covered with exquisite designs in engrav- ing. One of them was marked, " R. C. Mon- treal," indicating it to have been a heraldic device, connected with the Jesuit Missionary work. With the crosses, were found a large number of human bones, several cooking utensils and a pair of silver ear-rings. It so happened that the finder of one of the crosses, was one of two Chippewa Indians, who had just begun work on the road then being re- paired. Their excitement at such discovery was intense.

CHAPTER III.

THE CANADIAN "PATRIOT " WAR.

W ILAT was known as the " Patriot " insur- rection in Canada, beginning in 1837, and continuing through 1838, was the cause of much excitement and disturbance along this side of the border of that Province. The al- leged object of the movement on the other side, was the overthrow of British rule and the es- tablishment of an independent Republican Government, to be known as the " Republic of Upper Canada," with the design, when such should be successful, of extending the move- ment to Lower Canada. The enterprise, while supported by a few Canadians, more or less sincere in their professions of love for Free Government, depended chiefly for men and means, npon co-operation from this side. At no time had the scheme enough of home sup- port to last 30 days, and most that it did have was due to exaggerated ideas of what was to be done in the United States.

The work of preparation occupied most of the year of 1837. when there was considerable agitation, attended by some collisions in Can- ada. Meantime, the work of the " sympathi- zers " progressed on this side. The grossest exaggeration was employed for effect on both sides of the line. Thus, in the United States reports were rite of wonderful " popular up- risings " all over Canada : while in that Prov- ince, equally false accounts of sympathy and assured support from this side were em- ployed to bolster the movement. Whereas, in fact, there was in neither country any support to justify a moment's continuance of the mad scheme.

By December, 1837, such forces as the leaders had been able to raise, were gathered along the line, with the purpose of a " combined move- ment" of some sort. The recruits from this side consisted mainly of the idle and thriftless. which classes had been swollen in numbers by the serions financial collapse and business ans- pension of that year. An idea of the sort of material that made up the body of the "Patriot" recruits. may be had, when it is stated, that the distribution of "rations" to a squad of

these af Norwalk, while on their way from Akron to "the front," consisted of one man passing along the rank with a basket of crack- ers, followed by another with a pail from which was delivered to each " soldier " a small cup of whiskey. Poultry and young pigs were in constant peril on the line of march, while deal- ers in clothing, boots, shoes, etc., often had all they could do to maintain and enforce their ideas of right to property so much coveted by the " Patriots" passing through, who could not understand why those who stayed at home, should not contribute more liberally to the aid of those who went to the " battlefields of Free- dom."

The two ends of Lake Erie were the scenes of the main movements of the " Patriots." In December they took possession of Navy Island (belonging to Canada), in Niagara River, and from there issued a proclamation gravely an- nouncing that the " Provisional Government of the Republic of Upper Canada " was estab- tablished-that a reward of $500 was offered for the apprehension of Sir Francis Bond Head, then Governor of Canada-that 300 acres of Her Majesty's lands would be freely bestowed by the Provisional Government upon every volunteer who should join the revolutionary forces-adding that "ten millions of those lands, fair and fertile, would speedily be at their disposal, with the other vast resources of a country more extensive and rich in natural treasures than the United Kingdom or old France."

For purposes of communication with the American shore, the " Patriots" employed a small steamboat. the "Caroline," of which Captain " Gil." Appleby (a well-known Lake navigator) had command. This craft proved very useful, and this so far aggravated the British authorities, that on the night of the 29th of December, a British force sent for the purpose, burned the Steamer, while lying at Schlosser, on this side of the river. This action was a god-send never more needed by the fail- ing fortunes of the new-born " Republic," in

[+/]

THE CANADIAN " PATRIOT" WAR.

inflaming the American people, and arousing our Government in protest against such unwar- ranted violation of our territorial rights. The question at one time threatened the peace of the two countries.

The Eastern campaign of the " Patriots" collapsed with the loss of the Caroline, and operations were transferred to the West. In February, 1838, the Volunteers from this side made a movement from Sandusky, crossing on the ice to Point au Pellee Island, where they landed on the 25th of that month, and took possession. The Island was the property of a Mr. MeCormic. and had been deserted. It was well stocked with provisions, cattle, hogs and poultry-which, as reported, proved a very acceptable prize with the " Patriots," An ox- mill and a supply of corn also were found. On the 3d of March, the scene was changed by the arrival of British troops, when was fought the " Battle of Point an Pellee." The engagement took place on the ice. C'ol. Edwin D. Bradley, now (1887) of Stryker, Williams County, Ohio, was in command of the " Patriot " forces ; and since the Point au Pellee locality is now attracting new attention from Ohio people through its piscatorial advantages, the more in- terest will be felt in Colonel Bradley's report of that engagement,* which action at the time

*OFFICIAL REPORT OF COLONEL BRADLEY.

To Brigadier-General McLeod, Commanding Western Division of Patriot Service of the Republic of Upper Canada :

DEAR SIR: I hasten to answer to you for the in- formation of the Commander-in-Chief. that an action was fought on the morning of the 3d instant, at Point au Pellee Island, Upper Canada, between the Patriot force under my command and a detachment of about 400 British Regulars.

At day-break the enemy was discovered in great force a few miles from our encampment, which was at the head of the Island. Their main force, about 700 strong, was marched down quietly in front ; their left, about 200 strong, flanking off in the direction of the light-house at North Point ; and their right, con- sisting entirely of British Regulars, in sleighs and on horse-back, were pushing on with great speed along the West side of the Island to gain our rear, for the purpose of cutting off our retreat, should the main force succeed in driving us from our position.

After closely examining the force and disposition of the enemy, I did not think it prudent to await the attack of the main body. The men were therefore in- stantly mustered and filed off toward the Southern end of the Island, a distance of seven miles, to meet and fight the regular force, which had already gained our

excited intense interest throughout the border. Colonel Bradley subsequently commanded with credit a Company of Infantry in the Mexican War of 1846-47, and afterwards the 38th Ohio Volunteers in the Union Army, as long as his health permitted.

Coincident with the advance of Colonel Bradley's forces across the Lake from San- dusky, was a similar movement by another " Patriot " command from the Michigan side, to Fighting Island, in the Detroit River, some eight miles below Detroit, where an engage- ment took place February 25, 1838.

The Detroit Free Press, of February 26th, had the following report of the affair :

Yesterday the war commenced in or near Canada. On Sunday p. M. the Patriot forces, which had been lurking in small and detached squads at various points between Toledo and Gibraltar, collected on the American shore, opposite Fighting Island, belonging to the British, their number amounting to between 200 and 300, without arms, except five or six muskets and a small field piece mounted on two rails. In this condition, after receiving and cheering a patriotic speech from General McLeod, who commanded them, they crossed (on the ice) and took possession of the Island. They did not, we understand, intend to cross until their arnis, which were undoubtedly delayed, had been received ; but they were forced immediately to abandon the American territory, in order to evade the civil authorities, which, aided by the United

rear. This was effected as speedily as circumstances would admit. When we arrived in view of this force, which consisted of about 350 heavy Infantry and 75 well-mounted Cavalry, drawn up in ordinary battle array on the ice, one and one-half miles from the shore, in the direction of Middle Island-as we had no time for delay, in consequence of the enemy's main force, which was fast approaching I gave instant orders to form in line of battle, which were cheerfully obeyed by officers and men. When all was in readiness, the line moved forward with a firm and unflinching resolution worthy of tried veterans and advanced within half musket-shot of the enemy, when they opened a tremendous fire on our whole line, checking its progress and compelling us to com- mence the action at a greater distance than we first intended. Nevertheless (some of our troops having fired without orders), to prevent confusion, it was thought proper that the action should become gen- eral. For half an hour we sustained the shock of three times our number of British Regular troops, twice throwing them into confusion, breaking their ranks, and strewing the battle-ground with their dead and wounded. At this time the men remained firm, the ranks unbroken, and all determined to con- tinue the contest. The near approach, however, of the main force in our rear, induced some to leave the

HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

States troops, were in close pursuit of them. In the course of the night, about 50 stands of arms were conveyed to them on the Island. About daylight yesterday morning, the British troops opened a fire on them with grape-shot from the Canadian shore. After receiving two or three shots and returning as many, the Islanders retreated in confusion to the American shore, with three wounded- one severely, and two slightly. At the shore they were met by the United states troops, who arrested and disarmed them as fast as they landed. The British troops took possession of the Island as soon as it was evacuated. We have seen and conversed with one of the men who was on Fighting Island, and who informs us that they were assured by their officers, that 500 men had crossed into Canada below Malden from San- dusky. This is the prevalent belief here, as heavy cannonading was heard during the forenoon of yes- terday, in that direction. Our informant says he knows of no other force in this quarter which has been preparing to enter Canada, except that with which he was connected on Fighting Island, and that which is supposed to have gone over from Sandusky.

General Vreeland. of the "Patriot" forces, has been arrested by the United States authorities.

Toledo contributed her quota to the "Patriot" force on this occasion, which was commanded by Captains William Dodd and - Crane, who were strongly endorsed for their bravery and skill, by General McLeod, the " Patriot " com- mander, in a letter published in the Blade at the time.

The letter was as follows :

To the Citizens of the City of Toledo :

I beg to recommend to your favorable notice, the gallant and intrepid conduct of Captain William Dodd of this City, and his Company, who so gallantly and intrepidly sustained me in the unequal contest

ranks, in spite of their officers. Still, the battle was continued by a few of the men until the greater part of the troops had retired to the Island, where all assembled to deliberate upon the best mode of escape. It was concluded to cross over from the East to the West side of the Island, and under its cover retreat, which was safely effected, although the enemy's Car- alry hung continually on our flank and rear.

I was ably seconded in all my efforts during the engagement by Colonel Ward, Major Lawton and Adjutant Olney, who fought with a bravery un- equaled in modern warfare. It is with pain and regret, that I announce the fall of Major Hoadley and Captain Van Rennssalear. The former displayed a coolness during the whole engagement worthy of a better fate. His memory should be engraven on the hearts of his countrymen. Other officers conducted themselves with unexampled bravery. None were willing to give up the contest, till compelled by the superior force of the enemy.

of the morning of the 25th instant. I have seen much service in Europe and America, but never witnessed officers of a commission who conducted themselves so coolly, determinedły, and deliberately, as did Cap- tains Dodd and Crane for three and one-half hours, with 40 men against 500 British troops well armed.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, DONALD MCLEOD, Brig-Gen. Patriot Army, Upper Canada.

With the Fighting Island fiasco, the "Patriot" folly collapsed in a failure which would have been ludicrous, but for the many deluded vic- tims of its vain hopes, and the peril in which it placed the peace of two Nations. The in- spiration of the movement was two. fold-a zeal for liberty without knowledge of the means necessary to obtain it, and the spirit of plunder always so ready as an incentive in such cases.

The Caroline affair at Schlosser at once aroused the intensest excitement along the border, and for a time operated somewhat to galvanize the sinking " Patriot" eause. Its national bearing, as was to have been expected, was serious from the question of hostile inva- sion which grew out of it. Public meetings were at once called at different points along the Lakes, for the expression of the popular feelings as to the matter. Such a meeting con- vened at Maumee City, January 17, 1838, being held at the American House, the signers to the call being Henry Reed, Jr., J. J. Bingham, David Howe, W. C. White, Geo. Richardson, D. R. Ranney, Jonah Woodruff, D. B. Taylor, A. Clarke, James Wolcott, John Sargent, Ed. A. Pierson, Geo. T. Cose, Alanson Powers, John Furey, L. B. Dean, J. F. Smith, T. W.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 13

Author: Waggoner, Clark, 1820-1903 Publication date: 1888 Publisher: New York and Toledo : Munsell & Company Number of Pages: 1408

Author: Waggoner, Clark, 1820-1903
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: New York and Toledo : Munsell & Company
Number of Pages: 1408